Hot Buttered Rum

Next to egg nog, this libation is a holiday tradition in many homes, Hot Buttered Rum--- Spiced rum drinks are especially popular during the winter months. Charles Coulombe, author of Rum: The Epic Story of the Drink that Conquered the World, writes that rum has always been an "important component of American holiday celebrations",

Ingredients: 5oz. boiling water, 2oz. dark rum, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, freshly ground nutmeg.

Preparation: Bring the water to a boil. In a heated mug, add the brown sugar and boiling water. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the rum, stir and float the butter on top. Add a dash of grated nutmeg on top. Some people substitute warm milk for the water.